Opinion
"It gets better, it gets worse...,
... you ask every year. Let's face it, life is always perilous," is a quote from Erich Kästner that I have to think about from time to time these days. There are currently few economic certainties, the signs of a coming recession are increasing, there is talk of a decline in incoming orders, job cuts and short-time working and, of course, the upheaval in the automotive industry, combined with the question of how strongly electromobility will develop. Trade conflicts, Brexit and geopolitical crises are dampening global trade and this is also affecting German industry.
All in all, however, economists and economic experts agree that there will not be such a sharp downturn as in 2009. There is certainly a lot to improve, investments in research, development, infrastructure and digitalization are being called for by the federal government and are certainly necessary. And innovations should also be promoted, "in a way that suits an economy in which there are many SMEs," says Clemens Fuest, President of the Ifo Institute for Economic Research.
Despite everything, we should not fall into a state of shock or even powerlessness. After all, there is no shortage of innovations, as both the Motek trade fair at the beginning of October and the products and solutions that received the handling award, which was presented in Stuttgart for the sixth time, have shown.
The "Modern Assembly" congress, which the handling editorial team organized for the second time this year, also revealed a great deal of innovation potential. Over two days, participants discussed the topics of "Digitalization across the board" and "Where are the people in modern assembly?"
In this magazine, we also focus on the topic of plugging and connecting. As networking increases, so does the number of cable connections. David Wetzel, Product Manager at Icotek, explains what users should look out for.
I wish you an interesting read and send you my best regards,
Your
Annina Schopen
Editor handling
You might also be interested in
Helu makes its first trade fair appearance under a new brand name
Helu Kabel will be presenting itself as Helu for the first time at Hannover Messe 2026, showcasing system solutions, Heluchain cables and new industrial luminaires.
read more...Strategic realignment with brand relaunch
In future, Helukabel will trade as Helu
The Helukabel Group is parting with part of its name: in future, the company will only operate under the Helu brand. With this step, the specialist for electrical connection technology is underlining its strategic development from a classic cable...
read more...Modular plant construction for corrugated board
Insight into the production of corrugators at BHS Corrugated: Automated, modular and equipped with Helukabel components.
read more...Best quality for the steel
Conditions in the steel industry are harsh and inhospitable. The machines used must be able to withstand the demanding environmental conditions in order to deliver the best quality at all times.
read more...If the standard cable is not sufficient
Lapp offers cables for countless applications - but not for all of them. From time to time, the developers have to modify a standard cable or develop a special cable.
read more...Slight decline in sales, strong investments
The Lapp Group has not been spared from the weakening global economy. However, the company only recorded a slight loss in the past 2024 financial year.
read more...Electrical connection technology
Cables and wires for industrial automation
Heukabel offers system solutions for cable routing from a single source. The subsidiary EKD Systems specializes in tailor-made cable drag chains made of steel, stainless steel and plastic, which are used in moving machines and systems as well as in...
read more...Lapp relies on Ultramid from BASF
Mobile charging of electric vehicles
The automotive industry is currently undergoing the biggest transformation in its history. The boom in battery electric vehicles in particular is presenting the industry with major challenges. Lapp, as a supplier of cables and connection...
read more...Cable handling application
At this year's Motek, ArtiMinds Robotics is showcasing a robot-based automation solution for the sensor-assisted assembly of flexible cables in connector housings.
read more...